Fundamentals of Rocket Propulsion

Catalog description

This course provides a study of rocket propulsion systems for launch vehicles and spacecraft. Dynamics, performance, and optimization of rocket-propelled vehicles are presented. Performance and component analysis of chemical propulsion systems are covered including flight dynamics, vehicle staging, nozzle design, and thermochemistry of bipropellant and monopropellant thrusters. Different classes of electric thrusters are introduced along with the concept of optimal specific impulse. Recommended background: compressible fluid dynamics (AE 3110 or equivalent), thermodynamics (ES 3001, PH 2101, CH 3510 or equivalent). Students may not receive credit for both AE 4220 and AE 4719.